The Lock & the Guardianaf Louise Haiberg

I feel like time is creeping by, passing immensely slowly.
With every heartbeat I prepare to hear Dax’ death rattle,
feel his last breath on my face, and see the light in his eyes go out.
Know that he was always on my side.
Much, much too late.

Alina is the last member of a dynasty of women destined to rule a dark world of monsters that loathe her presence. In an attempt to escape her duties as ruler and lead a normal life, Alina has moved to another world far away. Once a year, however, she must return to her old world to make sure the magic that keeps her subjects in check is still in working order.
Dax is the monster appointed to the task of guarding Alina’s life, when she visits her old world, but his job is complicated by the fact that she doesn’t trust him or want his presence.
One day, the magical order is disturbed, and now Dax and Alina must go on a dangerous journey across a world intent on ending Alina’s life and reign...